From 13 to 19 June, Queensland Councils will showcase their people, local facilities and services in a week aimed at creating a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Local Government. The theme for the week is Local Government – Engaging Communities.
“Community engagement is vital to the democratic process, contributing to building a balanced healthy community,” said Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President, Councillor Paul Bell. “The week will encompass a wide variety of Local Government community interaction ranging from information sharing to community consultation and in some instances active participation in decision making. It will give our communities a chance to see first hand how Councils operate.”
A key element of Local Government Week 2005 is the State wide colouring competition, sponsored by the Queensland Government Department of Public Works. Aimed at heightening the awareness of Local Government among students, it has attracted entries from across Queensland in previous years.
This year, the competition focuses on sustainability, an issue that impacts on us all. Councils will coordinate many activities during the week including Council open days, Local Government careers expos, community festivals and youth council debates, web site competitions, radio quizzes and mystery bus tours.
“It is encouraging to see so many Councils taking an active role in taking the message to their communities and creating awareness of their role in the communities,” Councillor Bell said.
Details of local activities in Queensland Councils during Local Government Week may be found on www.lgaq.asn.au. The week is coordinated annually by the LGAQ and is sponsored by the Queensland Department of Public Works, Hastings Deering, the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Dial Before You Dig and Local Government FOCUS.
Sam for Mayor
As part of Local Government Week 2004, Calliope Shire Council ran an Open Day for all their schools to attend Council Chambers. Students were given the opportunity to be Councillors and Mayor. Calliope Shire Council used this Open Day as an opportunity to talk about community issues. In 2004 the drought was a big issue and they discussed ways to recycle water and how rates are dispersed throughout the community.
Calliope Shire Council will run an open day again this year. For further information contact Calliope Shire Council on (07) 4975 8100.
